New Zealand wine
New Zealand is a land like no other. New Zealand Wine is an experience like no other. Our special combination of soil, climate and water, our innovative pioneering spirit and our commitment to quality all come together to deliver pure, intense and diverse experiences. In every glass of New Zealand Wine is a world of pure discovery. Welcome to our world.
New Zealand extends 1,600km (1000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland (36º S) to the world's most southerly grape growing region Central Otago (47º S). Vineyards benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 120km, or 80 miles, from the ocean) with long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes.
New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned.
Wine Region
HAWKE'S BAY
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's oldest and second largest wine region with beginnings in 1851. It is the largest premium red wine producing region in the country with over 80% of the national vintage for both Cabernet Merlot and Syrah. Chardonnay and Cabernet Merlot varieties make up 50% of the total annual vintage. Approximately 50% of the vintage is white wine and 50% red wine.
Located at 39.4º South (the same as Madrid in the North), Hawke's Bay is one of the hottest and sunniest areas of New Zealand. A maritime climate, free draining soil types with natural low fertility, prevailing hot dry north westerly winds, low rainfall and a long growing season provide for a range of of vineyard sites suitable for a diversity of varieties. Over 25 different soil types make up the 4,947 wine producing hectares in Hawke's Bay.
MARLBOROUGH
It has been said that there is no wine anywhere in the world that tastes like the wine of Marlborough - the balance of extraordinary purity and intensity of flavors set around impressive aroma, distinctive fruit characteristics and appealing balanced acidity is superb. These are stylish, exciting wines that surprise and delight.
Marlborough is recognized as one of the premium wine regions of the world. New Zealand's leading wine region, Marlborough draws international acclaim that far outweighs its size. In the span of just a few decades, winemakers have embraced this small, yet geographically diverse region, exploring the nuances offered by its landscape to craft exhilarating flavors in many different wine styles.
NELSON
Per hectare of vines planted, Nelson consistently wins more awards than the other regions in New Zealand. The region has a great reputation for the aromatic varieties - Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. It also has its own distinctive take on Sauvignon Blanc, some exquisite examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and some superb "stickies". Nelson wines are sold around the world, but you have the chance to experience our wines in the place they were created.
WAIHEKE ISLAND (AUCKLAND)
Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf, a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, was established from the early 1980's as a premium district for the production of high quality red wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It has since expanded to include Syrah, Chardonnay and other varietals that perform particularly well in the warm, dry summer climate of Waiheke.
